Irwin hits out over dumping of dead animals in Co Armagh

DUP MLA William Irwin pictured with carcasses of dead calves which were dumped in Co Armagh

Published:09:17Saturday 17 December 2016

Newry and Armagh DUP MLA William Irwin has slammed those responsible for dumping a number dead animal carcasses on roads around Newtownhamilton.

Mr Irwin, pictured as he visited the area on Wednesday, witnessed dead calves dumped on the Barkers Road and Barkers Lane area which has caused great concern for local residents.

Mr Irwin said he has reported the incidents to Newry, Mourne and Down Council for action, adding that it was important that those behind this illegal stop immediately.

“This is a concerning matter and especially so given the fact that there are very strict procedures for tracing livestock from birth to death and this is all in the interests of food security and traceability,” he said.

“It is abhorrent that unscrupulous individuals would dump dead calves on our roadsides, especially as residents live close by and there are the obvious environmental health issues associated with rotting carcasses.”

He added: “It is important that those behind this practice stop immediately and I would continue to urge people in the area to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to the council’s environmental health officials.”